A THEATRE company based in Shepshed is ready to cast its spell on audiences with its upcoming production.

Christchurch G&S Society is to hit the stage later this year with Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Sorcerer.

Although not as familiar as other comic operettas, The Sorcerer has some recognisable satire of Britain’s class system – a popular theme of Gilbert’s – and elements of the story will also seem familiar, with a love potion at the heart of the plot.

The action is set in Ploverleigh, where villagers are gathering to celebrate the engagement of Alexis Pointdextre – son of the baronet Sir Marmaduke – and Aline Sangazure.

As they prepare to mark their engagement officially, Alexis reveals to Aline his plan to ensure that love levels all classes.

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He invites John Wellington Wells, from a respected London firm of sorcerers, to brew a love potion and gives it to the villagers.

On waking from their potion-induced sleep, the villagers fall in love with the first person they see and the result is a set of comical mismatches between the characters.

Alexis is delighted with the results at first but it all goes wrong when Aline falls for another...

Adrian Dobson will be taking on the role of Alexis opposite Alison Matthews as Aline. Sir Marmaduke will be played by Mike Jones on his debut appearance with the society, alongside Sue Smith as Lady Sangazure.

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Al Jordan will be John Wellington Wells with Eddie Atkin as Dr Daly. And Lisa Grant and Rebecca Hunt will be in their first principal roles as Constance and Mrs Partlet respectively. Other roles will be played by Richard Tomlinson, Roger Muggleton and Valerie Hart.

The Sorcerer is at Iveshead School Theatre, Shepshed, (formerly Hind Leys College), from Tuesday, November 7, until Saturday, November 11.

Performances are at 7.30pm Tuesday to Friday with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £12 (£6 children) from society members or by calling 01509 504376.